Record changer



Aug. 25,- 1942.

R. A. BECWAR RECORD CHANGER Filed May 10, 1940 s Sheets-Sheet 1 w 15/ 14; 146 c/zzaezz 2 07 Aug. 25, 1942. R. A. BECWAR RECORD CHANGER Filed May 10, 1940 3 Sheets-Sheet '2 i i' c wfi for" Q Rad 050i Qfim/af Aug. 25, 1942. R. A. BECWAR RECORD CHANGER Filed May 10, 1940 3 Sheets$heet 3 QN 9&5 um i ,Q WW M vb \\N%\ m w Q Q 1 \N m mm NM Q M W 7 a 2 Patented Aug. 25, 1942 I RECORD CHANGER Rudolph A. Becwar, Chicago, !li., assignor to Galvin Manufacturing Corporation, Aurora, 111., a corporation of Illinois Application May 10, 1940, Serial No. 334,414 7 Claims. (Cl. 274-10) This invention relates generally to recordchanging means for a sound reproducing machine, and in particular to a record-changer adapted to automatically change a plurality of records in succession, the invention being particularly applicable for the changing of records of vdisc type having oil-center or eccentric a solenoid, the circuit of the solenoid including a pair of switch contact arms one of which is adapted for frictional engagement with a pair grooves, which are continuous with and formed at the end of the musical grooves.

An object of this invention is to provide an improved automatic record changer for a soundreproducing machine.

It is another object of this invention to provide an automatic record changer for a soundreproducing machine, which is positively controlled in its operation by electrical means in response to a predetermined operating position of the tone arm on the record being played. a

A still further object of this invention is to provide a record changer adapted for use with either ten inch or twelve inch records, in which a support for supporting the edge of a plurality of records stacked above the turntable is adapted to position the stack, in correspondence with the diameter of the records therein, relative to the means for releasing successive records into a playing position on the turntable, to provide for a positive operation of the releasing means for records of widely varying thicknesses.

Another object of this invention is to provide an automatic record changer in which an electrical control circuit for starting the operation of the record-changing mechanism is adapted to be closed after the playing of a record, by an initial outward movement of the tone arm as effected by the oscillating movement of the tone arm in the eccentric grooves, formed on the record at the end of the musical grooves.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide an automatic record changer which is simple, compact and rugged in construction, positlve and efiicient in operation, and comprised of a minimum of parts requiring adjustment.

A feature of this invention is found in the provision of a record changer, in which the operating cam for the record changer mechanism is provided with a normally retracted pawl member which is adapted to be released by electrlcal control means for engagement with continuously rotating means for driving the cam.

A further feature of this invention is found in the provision of a record changer having an operating cam, in which the clutch means for connecting the operating cam with a continuously rotating driving pulley is actuated by of spaced fingers movable with the tone arm. the initial outward movement of the tone arm.

after the playing of a record, moving thefingers in a direction to close the contact arms whereby to provide for an energization of the solenoid circuit and a consequent actuation of the clutch means.

Another feature of this invention is the provision of a record changer in which an operating cam for actuating the record-changing mechanism, is formed with a cam groove in one side and a radially extending rim at the periphery thereof, the rim being provided with a cam face on each one of its sides, and the cam faces and cam groove being relatively arranged about the operating cam to provide for showing the a predetermined sequential operation of the record-changing mechanism during one revolution of the cam.

Further objects, features, and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of the invention showing the arrangement of the driving system for the automatic record changer;

Fig. 2 is a view in perspective of the operating cam for the record changing mechanism;

Fig. 3 is an electrical diagram showing the control circuit for the record-changing mechanism;

Fig. 4 is a view line 4-4 in Fig. 5;

Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken approximately along the line 5-5 in Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on line 6-6 in Fig. 4;

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on line 11 in Fig. 4;

Fig. 8 is a view illustrated similarly to Fig. 7

parts thereof in a changed posipartly in section as seen on tion;

Fig. 9 is a developed view of the cam portlolil enclosed between the lines 99' in Fig. 4; an

Fig. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of the turntable spindle showing th record releasing means.

In the practice of this invention the unplayed records are stacked above the turntable of the phonograph or like machine and successively released for dropping into a playing position on the turntable. The record-releasing means is operated by a cam mechanism, including a multiple operating cam which is located below the turntable and adapted to provide for a raising of the tone arm from the record in playing position and for a moving of the arm beyond the circumference of such record prior to the actuation of the record releasing means. The invention contemplates further the driving of the cam mechanism by the motor for the turntable through a continuously rotating pulley system, a driving engagement between the pulley system and the operating cam being accomplished through solenoid actuated clutch means, with the circuit of the solenoid including a pair of contact arms which are angularly movable with the tone arm and arranged to be closed after the playing of a record, by the initial movement of the tone arm outwardly toward the circumference of the record, this movement being effected by the travel of the tone arm in the usual spiral grooves which are formed at the central portion of the record. This closing of the contact arms provides for an energization of the solenoid circuit and a consequent actua tion of the clutch means, to provide for a driven engagement of the operating cam with the pulley system. After engagement has been accomplished the solenoid circuit is opened and the clutch means conditioned to disengage the operating cam from the pulley system on the return of the cam to its neutral position, whereby to provide for a cyclic operation of the recordchanging mechanism during substantially one complete revolution of the operating cam.

There is illustrated in Figs. 1 and 5 the usual frame structure turntable and tone arm 22 for a phonograph or like machine, the turntable 2| being shown with a record 12 supported thereon. The turntable is driven by a low voltage induction motor 23 which is floatingly supported in a suitable manner from the structure 23, the motor shaft being provided with a pulley 24 which is in frictional engagement with the turntable driving pulley26, which in turn is in frictional engagement with the table rim 21. A shaft or spindle 23 secured to the frame or wall 20 in an obvious manner by the clamping action of the shoulder 23 and nut 3|, rotatably supports the turntable, the hub portion of which includes a pulley 32 which is in driving connection with an idler pulley 33 through a flexible spring drive 34. The pulley 33 is mounted at the upper end of a counter shaft 36 which is rotatably supported in a bushing member 31, the member 31 being suitably secured in the wall 20 as by welding or like means. An idler pulley 38 is fastened to the lower end of the counter shaft 38 by screw means such as 39, the pulley 38 being in driving connection with a pulley 4| which is rotatably mounted at the lower end of a stub shaft 42;

the shaft 42 being mounted in the wall 20 by screw means 43 and the pulley 4| being maintained on the shaft 42 by screw means 44. Pulleys 33 and 38 act as reduction pulleys between the pulleys 32 and 4|, with the entire pulley system being in operation concurrently with an operation of the motor 23. A serrated flange 46 formed on the upper side of the pulley 4| provides for a driving engagement of the pulley 4| with an operating cam 41 in a manner to be later fully described.

or like means. The wall 43 is provided with an outwardly projecting annular flange or peripheral rim 5|, which has cam faces or working surfaces 52 and 53 formed on opposite sides thereof, the low portion or spot 54 of the upper cam 52 being substantially opposite the high spot 56 of the lower cam 53 (Figs. 2 and 9). Cam followers 51 and S8, in operative association with the cam surfaces 52 and 53, respectively, are angularly spaced relative to each other so that the operative effects provided by the low and high spots, 54 and I6, respectively, in the operation of the record-changing mechanism occur in sequence rather than concurrently as will be later fully described. An inner wall 53 proiects upwardly from the cam bottom 48 and includes a portion of the cam hub 6|, the wall 33 being continuous in extent and substantially equal in height to the outer wall 43, with the vertical surface 32 thereof acting as a cam face or working surface for a corresponding cam follower 63. The portion of the cam surface 32, which is included between the lines 54, is of corresponding contour with the oppositely disposed inner side of the wall 49 to form a guiding slot for-the follower 63. It is thus seen that a closed recess 68 is formed within the inner wall it ends. groove 81 of varying width between the walls 49 and 59. The groove 61 is of uniform width and guiding to the follower 33 only between the lines 64 at the slot and is of varying width over its remaining length, its greatest width being in the zone designated as 68 which occurs atthe end of the slot 35 and between the hub II and a confining wall Ill adjacent the low spot 54 of cam surface 52, for a purpose to be later fully explained. The outerwall 43 near the end of the slot 35 is increased in section to accommodate an aperture or opening 69 of a size to receive therein a pivotal lever or pawl 1| which is adapted for engagement with the serrated flange 46 of the pulley 4|, in a manner to be hereinafter described.

Actuation of the cam follower 54 on movement of the cam 52 is adapted to provide for a lifting or a lowering of the tone arm 22 from the tumtable 2|, and specifically from a record I2 which is supported in a playing position on the tumtable (Fig. 5). The follower 51 is of angular shape and includes a straight portion 13 and a bent portion H, the portion 14 being inclined upwardly into the hollow tone arm 22. The straight portion 13 is slidably and rotatably supported in a sleeve member 16, which in turn is rotatably supported in a bearing block or bushing which is suitably mounted on the frame 20. The bent portion 14 is adapted to engage the upper side of the tone arm 22 which is pivoted at 18 to a supporting leg member I9 which in turn is rotatably supported on the bushing 11. The upper end of the sleeve 16 is secured to the member 19, by welding or like means, so that the sleeve 16 is angularly or rotatably movable with the tone arm 22 through the leg member 19. It is thus seen that the operating position of the cam follower 54 relative to the tone arm 22 remains unchanged during any swinging movement of the arm across the record 12.

The lower end of the sleeve 'ldproiectsoutof a selector link or lever arm 86, the end portion 84 being of suflicient width to also provide for the rotatable mounting therein of the cam follower 63 at a distance from the pivotal connection 83. Angular movement of the rocker arm 8| and hence of the sleeve 18 and tone arm 22 in one direction is thus obtained on actuation of the cam follower 63' by the cam 62. Theend 81 of the lever arm 88 is provided with a slot 88 to slidingly receive therein a pin member 89 which is mounted in a flat plate or select-or disc 9|.

The disc 9| is mounted at the lower end of a shaft 92 (Figs. and 6) as by welding or like means, the shaft 92 being rotatably supported in a. bushing or sleeve 93, which is suitably secured to the cabinet wall 28. The upper end of the shaft is pin-connected to a platform or shelf 94 of curved contour which is adapted to provide an edge support for a stack of records 95 located vertically above the -tumtable 2|, the shelf 94 being rotatably supported on the upper end of the sleeve or stand 93. As shown in Fig. l, the projected surface area of the shelf is of substantially rectangular form, the shelf being positioned on the stand 93 in a manner to provide for unequal shelf lengths 96 and 91 on opposite sides of the stand. A rotation of the shelf of 180 degrees thus provides for asupporting shelf of a different length for records of different diameter, the short length 98 being adapted to support the stack of twelve inch records 95 and the long length 91 being adapted to support a stack of ten inch records I88, in a manner to be hereinafter fully described.

The 180 degree rotation of the shaft 92 moves the end 81 of the selector arm 86 from one side of the shaft 92 to the other side thereof through the sliding action of the pin 89 in the slot 88 (Fig. 4), the limits of rotation being defined by the engagement of the notches 98 in the selector disc 9| with the pin 99 in the spring-tensioned pivotal indexing lever I 8|. When the record edge support 94 is positioned to support ten inch records the arm 86 is in the position indicated by the dot-dash lines. On rotating the support 94 to accommodate twelve inch records the arm 88 is moved to the position indicated by the full lines, this movement of the arm 86 providing for a movement of the rocker arm 8| and specifically the pivotal connection 83 thereof relative to the cam follower 83, the position of which is practically unchanged on movement of arm 88 by rotation of the support. Since the angular movement of the rocker arm 8| controls directly the angular movement or swing of the tone arm 22, the movement of the rocker arm downwardly to the left as seen in Fig. 4 provides for an initial starting position of the tone arm 22 on the record 12 to be played, at an increased distance from the circumference of the turntable 2|, the dotted lines representing the starting position of the tone arm 22 when the platform 94 is positioned to accommodate twelve inch records and the dot-dash lines indicating the starting position of the tone arm 22 when ten inch records are to be played. It is thus seen that after a positioning of the platform 94 in correspondence with the diameter of the records to be played, the operation of the roller 63 by the cam 62 and the roller 54 by the cam 52 controls the swing of the tone arm 22 and the lift of the arm 22, respectively, relative to the record being played.

The cam follower 58, which is operatively associated with the cam face 52 of the multiple cam 41, is rotatably mounted at one end of a crank arm I82 which is plvotally supported in a'bearing member I83 suspended from the cabinet wall 28 (Figs. 4 and 5). The opposite end I84 of the crank arm I82 is provided with an adjusting screw I86 which is adapted to abuttingly engage the lower end of an operating member I81 which is slidably supported axially of the spindle or shaft 28 (Fig. 5). The spindle 28 is formed with an off-set upper portion I88 to form a shoulder I89, the shoulder I89 acting as a center support for the stack of unplayed records which are located above the turntable 2|.

An eccentric cap or sleeve member III substantially equal in diameter to the body portion of the spindle 28 is rotatably mounted about the offset portion. In the positioning of a stack of records above the turntable 2| the sleeve III is rotated until substantially its thinnest wall section 2 is positioned at the shoulder I89 to provide for an alignment of the records on the shoulder (Fig. 10).

A trigger or trip lever H3 is pivotally connected at II4 to the shaft 28 and is completely retractable in an axially extending groove 8 formed therein, an opening II1 being provided in thebottom of the groove above the shoulder I89. An inclined side portion II8 at the lower end of the lever is adapted for s'lidable engagement with the upper end of the operating member I81, to provide for an outward movement of a nose or projecting finger II 9, formed at the upper end of the lever II3, through the opening H1 immediately above the shoulder I89 for a purpose to be later described. On retraction of the member I81 from its engagement with the side portion I I8, as by the spring-retained means I2I, (Fig. 5), the finger H9 is removed from the opening II1 by a spring I22 arranged in compression in the spindle 28 between the lever H3 and the bottom of the groove H8. The pivotal movement of the trip lever II3 by the operating member I81 provides for an'engagement of the finger II9 with the lowermost or bottom record at the aperture I23 formed at the center of the record. Since the finger H9 is of a length to extend completely over the shoulder I89, the record 95 is pushed clear of the shoulder and into centering engagement about the lower portion of the spindle 28, the spindle being of a diameter somewhat less thanthe diameter of the record aperture I23. Since the lever H3 is com-' pletely retractable within the spindle 28 the record 95' is thus entirely released and free to fall into a playing position on the turntable 2|.

As is best illustrated in Fig. 5, the shoulder or center support I89 is of a depth commensurate with the extent or length of the support given the edges of the records 95 by the supporting platform 94. The movement of the lowermost record 95' from the shoulder I89 is thus willcient to effect a complete separation of the record 95' from the platform 94, so that the record is entirely unsupported in its drop to the turntable 2 I, except for its centering engagement about the spindle 28. The trigger or record releasing means II 3 is thus operable to provide for a separation or release of a record 95', from a stack of unplayed records 95, by engaging the record In the arrangement of the records I 88 and 95 in a stacked formation it is readily apparent that considerable friction may occur between the lowermost record I88 and at its immediate central portion at the aperture 95 and the next adjacent record IOA and 35A, respectively. Sincev this frictional factor similarly affects the ten inch and twelve inch records the following description will refer to the twelve inchrecords. Particularly when the stack 95 is rather high this friction will tend to provide for a movement of the record 86A with the record 95 during the. record-releasing operation. Also, it is well-known that records of the same diameter differ widely in thickness and that twelve inch records are generally of a greater thickness than ten inch records. The supporting shelf 94, therefore, is adapted to position the records 95 on the shoulder I09 to provide for a positive engagement of the finger II9 with the lowermost record 95', and of the eccentric sleeve member II2 with the record 95A, irrespective of the relative thicknesses of such records, to prevent any moving of the record 95 A with the record 95 when it is being pushed from the shoulder I09.

With reference to Figs. and the lower end of the eccentric cap member 2 is illustrated as being located above the shoulder I09 a distance indicated by the lines AB, the finger II9 being adapted for projection through the opening I24 formed between the shoulder and such lower end. In the horizontal positioning of the records 95, that is at right angles to the spindle 28, it is readily understood that the distance A-B, should correspond to the thickness of an unusually thick twelve inch record to assure the release of all twelve inch records on actuation of the lever II3. However, in some cases, it might happen that this provision for a very thick twelve inch record would result in the space A-B being sufficiently great to exceed in extent the combined thicknesses of two ten inch records, which are thinner than the usual ten inch records. In the event two such records were positioned adjacent each other it is apparent that both records might be released at one time by the releasing lever I I3. To provide for a positive operation of the releasing means to release only one record, irrespective of the relative thicknesses of the records in the stacks 95 and I00, the ends 96 and 91 of the supporting shelf 94 are vertically offset from each other, so that the end portion 96 which is adapted for the support of twelve inch records is below horizontal alignment with the projected space A-B and the ten inch record supporting portion is above horizontal alignment with such projected space. The twelve inch records, which are illustrated in Fig. 10 in full lines, are thus tilted or inclined upwardly from the shoulder I09 so that the portion 90 of the lowermost record 95' is dropped below the wall portion I26 to a point lower than it would occupy if the record was in a horizontal position. The record 95 is thus entirely clear of the wall portion I26 to provide for its dropping into a playing position on the tumtable 2I on operation of the trip lever II3. In the playing of ten inch records, which are illustrated in Figs. 5 and 10 in dotted lines. the shelf portion 91 provides for a tilting of the record I00 in a direction downwardly from the shoulder I09 so as to raise the record portion 90' of record IO0A into positive engagement with the wall portion I26. The record I00, therefore, is alone moved from the shoulder I09 on actuation of the trip lever H3. A reversed tilting of the records 95 and I00 on the shoulder I09, therefore, serves to reduce the distance AB over that normally required to accommodate an extra thick twelve inch record when horizontally positioned and to provide for a positive successive releasing of all ten and twelve inch records, irrespective of the thickness of such records. It is to be understood that the nose or projecting finger H3 is of a sin commensurate with the thickness of the thinnest records which might be played, so that engageords fromthe-tumtable 2I, the member III is rotated to the position illustrated in dotted lines in Fig. 5, tojorm a shaft or spindle 28 which is in peripheral alignment over its entire length. Since-the pivotal lever H9 is completely retractable within the spindle I28, the spindle is thus unobstructed over its entire length so that the records successively positioned on the turntable 2I may all be removed atone time and in a stack from the spindle 28. It is understood, of course, that prior to the lifting of the records from the spindle the shelf 94 is rotated out of its engaging position with the records 95 or I00 and into a position with a longitudinal side facing the spindle 28, so as to be clear of the records being lifted from the turntable 2I.

The operation of the above described recordchanging apparatus is controlled through an electric control circuit which is closed in response to a predetermined operating position of the tone arm 22 on the record I2, supported in playing position on the turntable 2 I The circuit (Fig. 3) is illustrated as adapted for energization from a suitable electrical source through a transformer I21 and includes a solenoid I28, a lock out switch I29, a control switch I3I and a reject button I32; the switch I3I and reject button I32 being arranged in parallel to provide for separate closing of the circuit.

The solenoid I28 (Fig. 4) is supported in a frame member I33 depending from the wall 20, the solenoid being arranged in a position above the pulley H and near the circumference of the cam 41. An armature I34 electrically associated with the solenoid is pivotally connected to the frame member I33, the connecting pin I36 in the member I33 being also slidable in the elongated slot I31 formed in the armature, for a purpose to be later described. The armature I34 is of substantially angular cross-section, one leg I38 thereof being adapted for electrical connection with the solenoid I28 and the other leg I39 acting as a supporting shelf for the dog or pawl member II which is pivotally connected to the cam 41 and arranged within the opening 69. The dog II is adapted for engagement with one of the serrations in the serrated flange 46 to provide for a driving of the cam 41 by the continuously rotating pulley 4|; the spring I serving to bias the dog into an engaging position with a serration (Fig. 7). When the solenoid I28 is not energized the armature I34 is urged into a supportingor holding position with the dog II by a spring I42, which is connected at one end to the member I33 and at its opposite end to the armature I34 (Fig. 8). The armature I34 and dog II thus act as a clutch, which is operable to provide for a driving of the cam 41 by the pulley H, which in turn is driven by the turntable motor.23. Control switch I3I is comprised of a pair of contact arms I43 which are mounted on a frame I44 depending from the wall 20, the arms being suitably insulated from the frame I 44 and from each other by insulating member I46. The gap between the arms I43 is adjusted by an eccentric adjusting screw I41 which is held in the frame plate 28, the screw being in sliding engagement with the outer one of the contact arms I43. Adjustment is thus readily made by turning the screw I41, which moves the outer contact arm I43 relative to the inner contact arm, to provide for a variation in the gap between the arms. The free end of the outer contact arm is provided with a fiat extension or plate I48 which is adapted for frictional engagement with a pair of spaced fingers I49 (Figs. 4 and 6), the fingers I49 being mounted on the rocker arm 8I and hence movable with the rocker arm so as to move with the tone arm 22 in its travel across the record 12 being played.

The operation of the invention is best understood from Fig. 4 in which the multiple or operating cam 41 and its associated cam followers are illustrated in the positions which they assume when the tone arm 22 is in a starting position on the record to be played, the record 12 being indicated from the full line position of the rocker arm 8|, as a twelve inch record although it is to be understood that the operation is the same for either a ten or a twelve inch record. This operating condition represents a neutral position of the cam 41, the cam being out of engagement with the pulley H and the spaced fingers I49 being out of engagement with the projecting plate I48 of the outer contact arm I43.

As the tone arm 22 moves inwardly across the record 12 toward the spindle 28 the rocker arm BI is moved inwardly toward the shaft 42, the follower 63 being out of contact with the cam surface 62 and moving freely in the widened portion 68 of the groove 61 during the entire playing of the record, with the follower 51 being at the low spot 54 of the cam 52 and the follower 58 being in engagement with the low portion of the cam 53 (Figs. 2 and 9); the confining wall 69 serving to maintain the follower 63 within the zone 68 and out of any possible engagement or interference with the follower 51. When the tone arm 22 is in partial traversal of the record 12 the fingers I43 frictionally engage the plate I48, but 'since the. pressure exerted by the fingers on the plate is in a direction to maintain open the contact arms I43, that is in a direction urgirm the outer contact arm against the adjusting screw, the control or solenoid circuit is maintained open. However, on the record being completed the tone arm is carried to the eccentric groove II (Fig. 1) which is formed at the center of the record, to provide for an oscillating movement of the tone arm on the record. When the tone arm is first moved outward in a direction away from the spindle 28, by its oscillating movement in the groove I5I. the fingers on rocker arm 8I are moved in a direction towards the shaft 42, which movement provides for a pulling inwardly of the outer contact arm I43 of the eccentric adjusting screw and into contact with the inner contact arm whereby to close the control circuit for the record changing apparatus, the circuit being comprised of con ductor I52, solenoid I28, the closed switch I29, control switch I3I and conductor I 53.

Closing of the control circuit by the contact arms I43 energizes the solenoid I28 to provide for an actuation of the armature I34 to release the dog H for engagement with the pulley 4I, rotation of the cam 41 being obtained immediately upon the engagement of the dog 1I because of the continuous rotation of the pulley M. In the rotation of the cam 41 in a clockwise direction, as seen in Fig. 4, the cam face 52 acts first to operate the cam follower. 51 to raise the tone arm 22 from the record 12 prior to any outward swinging or angular movement of the arm towards the circumference of the record. After the arm 22 has been raised to clear the record, the cam follower 63 is engaged by the cam 62 to effect a movement of the tone arm 22 outward from the spindle 28 towards the circumference of the record, the cam follower 51 continuing to ride on the high portion of the cam 52 to hold the arm 22 in a lifted position and the follower 58 being in engagement with the ,low portion of the cam 53. When the tonearm 22 has been moved to its outermost position and completely off the face of the record 12, which position is indicated on the cam 62 by the portion between the lines I54, the cam follower 58 is engaged by the high spot 56 of the cam 53 to provide for an actuation of the operating member I01 (Fig. 5) by the crank arm I02, the operating member I91 moving the pivotal lever I81 to release the bottom record of the stack of records 95 from its supported position on the center support I09 and edge support 96, in the manner previously fully described. The record 95' is thus dropped into a playing Position on the turntable 2I only after the tone arm 22 is completely removed from the face of the record 12 which has been played. After release of the record 95 into a playing position on the turntable 22, the cam follower 63 continues its travel in the groove 55 to provide for a movement of the tone arm inws rdly toward the circumference of the turntable 2|, the cam 52 and cam follower 51 operating concurrently to provide for a lowering of the tone arm in operative engagement on the newly positioned record.

During the rotation of the cam 41 the fingers I49 are disengaged from the outer contact arm I43 on movement of the rocker arm 8| outwardly from the shaft 42 by the operation of the cam 62 and its associated follower 63 whereby the solenoid circuit is opened to provide for a release of the armature I34, which is immediately pulled back into an engaging position with the dog H by the spring I42. On a continued rotation of the cam 41, the dog 1| is returned to its starting position where it is engaged by the armature I34 and lifted out of its engagement with the serrated flange portion 46 of the pulley M, to immediately stop any further rotation of the cam 41. The armature I34 does not operate to abruptly disengage the dog H from the pulley 4 I, but serves to gradually lift the dog 1I away from the engaged serration by the sliding action of the armature I34 as permitted by the elongated slot I31 formed therein. This manner of disengaging the dog 1I efiects a smoothness of operation of the record-changing mechanism by the reduction of any sudden shocks to the rotating system. The record-changing mechanism is thus returned to its original neutral position and conditioned for the playing of a new record, during substantially one complete revolution of the cam 41.

The moving of the contact arms I43 into a closed position by the fingers I49, as explained above, provides for an energization of the solenoid I28 and an immediate release of the dog H by the armature I34 for engagement with the serrated fiange 46 of pulley'4I, the fingers being initially moved toward the shaft 42 by the oscillatmg motion of the tone arm 22 in the eccentric groove I5I. Since the oscillating motion of the arm 22 in the groove I5I also effects a movement of the fingers I49 in an outward direction from the shaft 42 alternately with the movement toward the shaft, a condition might occur where the arms I43 are successively opened and closed before the tone arm 22 is lifted completely out of engagement with the record, such as 12, which is being played, whereby to provide for a repeat operation of the solenoid or relay I28. This repeat operation, however, does not effect any further control of the record-changing mechanism, since the dog II on initial actuation of the solenoid I28 is immediately engaged by the pulley 4| and rotated out of an engaging position with the armature I34. The repeat operation, therefore, acts only to move the armature I34, which movement is accompanied by the usual "clicking noise. To prevent a repeat operation of the solenoid I28 and the resulting clicking noise, the control circuit (Fig. 3) is provided with a lock out or cam switch I29, which, as illustrated in Figs. 4 and 6, is comprised of spring contact arms I56 and I5! which are suitably supported on the mounting member I44. The contact arm I51 is provided at its free end with an insulating contact or button I58 which is adapted for engagement with the high portion or spot 55 of cam 53. As is best shown in Fig. 9 this engagement maintains the contact arms I55 and I51 in a closed position when the record-changing mechanism is in its neutral position, the arms I55 and I51 being adapted to open on about the first 5 degrees of rotation of the cam 41, which rotation is sufficient to move the cam portion 55 out of engagement with the button I58. Immediately after the start of rotation of the cam 41, therefore, the but-- ton I58 is free of the cam and does not contact the low portion I59 of the cam face 54. It is thus seen that on the initial closing of the contact arms I43 and resulting rotation of the multiple cam 41, the control circuit is opened by the opening of the contact arms|55 and I51 so,that asecond or repeat clcsing of the arm I43 is rendered ineffective in energizing the solenoid I28 to actuate the armature I34, the contact arms I55 and Wiremaining in an opened position until the operating cam 41 returns to its neutral position.

In the event it is desired to change the record 12, after it has been only partly layed, the reject button I32 (Fig. 3) is operable to effect an immediate energization of the solenoid I28 independently of the relative positions of the contact arms I43, the solenoid circuit being complete through conductor I52, solenoid I28, closed cam switch I29, reject button oi switch I32 and conductor I53, the energization of the solenoid acting to release the armature I34 to effect an engagement of the dog II with the pulley 4I in the manner above noted. 0n rotation of the cam 41 the operation of the record-changing mechanism is similar to that just described.

The invention is thus seen to provide for a record-changing mechanism which is of simple construction, cheap in cost and which is positively controlled during its operation by electrical means in response to a predetermined operating position of the tone arm on the record being played. A start of operation of the mechanism substantially immediately upon the. completion of the playing of a record and the provision of means for stopping the record-changing mechanism immediately after its cycle of operation reduces to a minimum the time required for the changing of a record. The invention further provides an edge support 94 for a plurality of either ten inch or twelve inch records'positioned above the turntable 2I, which is adapted to posiaaoavos positive release, by the record-releasing means, of only the lowermost record of the stack of records, regardless of the relative thicknesses of the records in such stack. The record-changing mechanism is thus adapted for an efncient operation with either ten inch or twelve inch records and its operation is equally ei'iicient for all records irrespective of their thickness.'

It is to be understood that although the inven- 1. In a sound reproducing machine for playing disc records having an eccentric groove formed in the central portion thereof connected with the recording grooves, including a tone arm and having record changing mechanism with rotary cam means and driving means therefor, the

means for initiating the operation of said record changing mechanism on the completion of the playing of a record including clutch means selectively operatively connecting said cam and driving means, a solenoid for actuating said clutch means, a circuit for said solenoid including a pair of normally open switch contacts, one of said contacts being provided with a flat laterally extending portion, a pair of spaced members operatively connected to said tone arm and movable therewith into frictional engagement with opposite sides of said flat extending portion, said spaced members on movement of said tone arm inwardly across the record in playing position acting to hold said switch contacts open, and on initial movement of said tone arm outwardly of said record closing said switchcontacts to energize said solenoid, said initial outward movement of the tone arm being obtained by the oscillating movement thereof in said eccentric groove. 2. In a phonograph having record changing mechanism, the means for operating said record changing mechanism including a rotary cam, a rotary member for driving said cam, means supporting said cam and driving member in a concentrically spaced relation, said driving member having a circular serrated track on the face thereof opposite said cam, clutch means movably supported in the face of said cam with a portion thereof extending laterally of said face into an engaging position with said track, means for actuating said clutch means including a solenoid, an armature for said solenoid, means yieldably retaining said armature between said operating cam and driving member and in a position for engaging said clutch portion to normally hold tion the records in a manner to provide for a 7 the same out of engagement with said circular track, with the energization of said solenoid. attracting said armature out of said holding position to provide for the driven enga ement of said cam and driving member.

3. In a phonograph having a tone arm and including record changing mechanism, the means for operating said record changing mechanism including an operating cam, a rotary member for driving said cam, means supporting said can and driving member in coaxial alignment but in a spaced relation, said driving member having a circular serrated track thereon opposite said cam.

- tion, with said cam driving member,

' out a pawl element movably supported in the face of said cam and having an endportion thereof extending into an engaging-position with said track, means for actuating said pawl including a solenoid and an armature therefor, means for mounting said armature in the space between said cam and driving member, with said armature being movable into an engaging position with the end portion of said pawl to normally hold the same away from saidcircl'ilar track, said sole noid on being energized attracting said armature out of its holding position with said pawl, a circuit for said solenoid including 'a normally open control switch. and means movable with said tone arm for closing said control switch .on the completion' of the playing of a record and for opening said control switch when the tone arm is being moved outwardly from said record,'with' said armature on opening of said control switch moving into the path of travel of said pawl to engage and hold the end portion thereof to stop the rotation of said cam' after substantially one complete revolution.

4. In a phonograph for playing a plurality of records in succession and including record changing mechanism having an operating cam, the means for operating said record changing mechanism including a rotating member for driving said cam, means supporting said cam and camdriving member ina concentrically spaced relabeing pomtioned above said projections on said cam driving member arranged in a circle on the face thereof opposite said cam, a pawl member pivotally supported in the face of said cam and depending downwardly therefrom for engagement with'said projections to operatively connect said cam and driving member, means movable between said cam and cam driving member and into the path of movement of said-pawl, means yieldably retaining said movable means in the path of said pawl to normally support the same of engagement with said projectiona-and means :moving said movable means out of the p th of said pawl on completion of 'the playing ally supporting said clutch element for pivotal movement into engagement with a projecting of said tone arm.

- intermittently rotating said 6. In a phonograph having a tone arm and record changing mechanism including a rotary operating member, the combination of means for operating member ins cluding'a continuously rotating driving member, means rotatably supporting said two members in spaced coaxial alignment, with said operating member being in a superposed relation with said driving member, engaging portions circularly arranged on said driving member and projecting toward said operating member, a pivoted clutch member on said operating member, with the circular path of travel taken by said clutch member on rotation of said operating member being defined ;by said engaging portions, means pivotally supporting said clutch element for movement into engagement with one of said engaging portions to operatively connect said driving and operating members, means movable into the path of travel of said clutch element to support the same out of engagement with an engaging portion to stop the rotation of said operating member, with said clutch element on movement of said supporting means out of said supporting position pivotally dropping into engagement with an engaging portion to initiate rotation of said operating member, and actuating means for said supporting means operatively associated with said tone arm'for controlling the movement of said supporting means in response topredetermined tone arm operating positions.

7. In a phonograph having a tone arm'and record changing mechanism including a rotary of a record to provide for the dropping of said pawl into engagement tions, with said latter means releasing said movable means after said engagement so that said pawl is lifted by said movable means away from said projections after tion of said cam.

5.- In a phonograph having a tone arm and record c nging mechanism including a rotary operating member. the combination of means for intermittently rotating said operating member from a continuously rotating driving member including means rotatably supporting said two members in coaxialalignment and in a spaced relation but permitting relative rotation therebetween, a pivoted clutch element on said operwith one of said projecsubstantially one revoluoperating member, the combination of means for intermittently rotating said' operating member including a continuously rotating driving member in spaced coaxial alignment with said operating member, a ring of projecting portions on said driving member facing said operating member, a pivoted clutch element movable with said operating member and extending into the space between said two members, means pivotally supporting said clutch element from said operating member to permit its dropping into engagement with one of said projections to operatively connect said two members and initiate rotation of said operating member, means movable between said two members and engageable with said clutch element to lift the same from engagement with a projection to stop the rotation of said operating memating member extending into the space between said two members, projecting portions arranged in ,a circle on said driving member defining the path of travel taken by said clutch element on rotation of said operating member, means pivotber, means operatively associated with said tone arm for actuating said movable means out of said clutch element lifting position when said tone arm is in a predetermined operating position, and

spring means for returning said movable means to said clutch element lifting position after the operation of said actuating means.

RUDOLPH A. BECWAR. 

